Relocating to Waynesville (Asheville, Franklin: best neighborhood, real estate, foreclosures)

[carolinabound13]

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are relocating to Waynesville. We spent years waiting to move and finally sold our house last June. I grew up in Ohio and we both lived for many years in SW Florida. We are ready to get out of this state.

I have some questions. We want to rent a house at first. Any idea who is best to contact and what area is good and what area is one to stay away from?

Also, how is the job market? I'm an insurance agent and my husband is a specialty contractor. No kids, only two dogs.

Our plan is to be there by May. Any suggestions and just information about Waynesville in general? We had a house in Franklin but sold it in 2008. Too small of a town in my opinion.

Thanks for your feedback!

Lisa

[mainegrl2011]

You're moving to Waynesville without jobs lined up? I hope you have some money saved.

[carolinabound13]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, we have money saved up for the move. We aren't moving until May so we have time to line up jobs.

[WinterStar]

Include Asheville in your job search for a 30 minute commute. Waynesville is a beautiful city located at Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. However, the money is in Asheville. Both areas are relatively expensive but sounds like you'll be fine with that. You'll have to visit the area to find the best neighborhood considering the fact you are renting. Maybe someone will chime in here. Good Luck!

[motordavid]

Try a home rental search, eg:
Waynesville NC house rentals - Yahoo! Search Results

Or, hit one of the better known real estate operations that concentrate on Waynesville and area:
waynesville nc realtors - Yahoo! Search Results

I am not in the RE biz, though I do have a few friends in RE.

There are really no areas one must 'stay away from'. The older, less scenic areas of town will be apparent to anyone doing even a cursory search, but there is not 'ghetto' or 'high crime' area of Waynesville, imo.

There are several insurance agencies in town/area; most seem to be small biz agents. The one we have dealt with for 11 years is a family owned operation which is similar to most in town, imo. No idea of the job mkt in that industry, or the pay, in Waynesville.

There are several home building contractors, though all have suffered through the housing debacle of the past few years. Some are well known as quality operations, some not so much. A good specialty contractor may be able to hook up with the GCs in the area, but pay is not comparable to major metro mkts, here in Waynesville or in larger Asheville, imo.

Waynesville is wonderful town and area in our experience of the last 11+ years. It has a thriving downtown, some big box joints on the outskirts, artsy stuff, local businesses, scenry and a very good 'feel', imo. But, someone seeking a relo with the hope of good paying jobs is a stretch, and requires some serious investigation, trips to area, etc.
GL, mD

[67walkon]

We have a home in Waynesville and are "snowbirding" there as of this April. No more work for us, so I can't tell you about work. But it is a wonderful place and a great area. We just got back from a week there and were sad to leave. When we go back, we aren't leaving until the fall leaves are gone.

[carolinabound13]

Thank you for all of your replies. I am eager to learn as much as I can about living in Waynesville. Jobs here where I am are scarce and we have had the highest unemployment by far in the country. There are a lot of foreclosures as well. People who do well here are the "snowbirds" who are retired and live here in the winter.